Relacore Review: Does Relacore Really Work?

Relacore is yet another product (similar to Cortislim, CortiStress and Cortidrene) that claims “belly bulge” is the result of excess stress, and believe it or not, not even your fault. This, from the Relacore Web site…

” …as we all know by now, even ordinary, everyday stress can cause your body to increase or retain belly fat. That’s why you can go on a diet, lose weight, but still look thick around the middle.”

Stress also contributes to premature aging…

“It has long been observed that people who are stressed over prolonged periods tend to look prematurely aged and haggard. (And we’re not just talking about extreme stress, we’re talking about “normal” everyday stress.)”

Thus, it’s not surprising to see Relacore being pitched as both a “weight control ‘adjunct,'” AND an “anti-aging breakthrough.”

Is it true? Can Relacore help you shed both pounds and wrinkles?

Well… not exactly. While this is heavily implied on the Relacore sales site, the truth is that there’s exactly ZERO proof that Relacore can do either, let alone markedly influence underlying biochemical events like telomere shortening (more on this below). This is why the makers of Relacore are in legal hot water, with both the US Federal Trade Commission and the plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit over false advertising claims.

“Stress, and the shortened telomere length associated with elevated levels of stress, has been shown in multiple studies to have dramatic effects on all aspects of life, from obesity to sexual health, even wrinkles. It’s logical that a formulation that helps reduce stress and thus preserves telomere length might have a positive impact on the detrimental effects that stress can produce.”

So let’s talk about stress; and its relationship to belly fat and premature aging (and telomeres!).

When you’re under physical or psychological stress, your body releases (among other things) a steroid hormone from the adrenal glands: cortisol. Cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone, and is required for many vital purposes — proper glucose metabolism, blood pressure, immune function and inflammatory response are a few.

Under prolonged/chronic stress, either mental or physical, however, the body can produce an excessive amount of cortisol. At these high levels, cortisol is a nasty little number indeed. It can negatively affect cognitive performance, suppress thyroid function, foster blood sugar imbalances and the subsequent deposition of body fat, decrease bone density, as well as other things. Athletes don’t like cortisol, as it is catabolic — i.e., muscle-wasting, rather than anabolic — i.e., muscle building.

Bottom line?

Excess cortisol levels may indeed be *somewhat* responsible for excess fat deposition and weight gain… particularly when it comes to “visceral adipose tissue” (VAT). This is the fat that surrounds the organs of the abdominal cavity (viscera). Although it also contributes to a thicker waist line or gut, you can’t “pinch” it. It’s also terrible for your health. As summarized in the August, 2010 Harvard Women’s Health Letter, visceral fat is linked to an increased risk for cardiovascular disease/type 2 diabetes, dementia, and breast/colorectal cancers.

The good news, as you can see, is that Magnolia bark does have some “de-stressing” qualities, and yes, it may even help you to lose weight, although the conclusion of the study (Altern Ther Health Med. 2006 Jan-Feb;12(1):50-4) indicates it seems to work a little differently than the retailers of Relacore suggest…

“The results of this pilot clinical study indicate that obese subjects who eat in response to stress may benefit from taking a dietary supplement ingredient containing proprietary extracts of M officinalis and P amurense. The mechanism of action appears to be through reduction of cortisol levels and possibly perceived stress, thereby helping participants maintain body weight.”

In other words, it helped to reduce stress eating a bit, which could, in turn assist with weight loss efforts. It did not, however, cause any weight loss itself – an effect that purchasers of “America’s #1 Belly Fat Pill” might reasonably expect.

And remember, this study was performed on magnolia bark and phellodendron exta together; not magnolia bark on its own.

2. Passionflower Extract.

Passion Flower grows on long vines in shaded, woody areas of the United States. The plant produces edible fruits; while the aerial parts are dried and used medicinally.

“Skullcap can refer to 2 herbs: American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) and Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis). Both forms of skullcap are used to treat different conditions and are not interchangeable.

American skullcap is native to North America, but it is now widely cultivated in Europe and other areas of the world. It has been used for more than 200 years as a mild relaxant and as a therapy for anxiety, nervous tension, and convulsions…”

It goes without saying, however, that a minimum dose is needed to see such effects. Since the ginseng is only one of 8 ingredients in a blend that’s only 240mg, it’s unlikely that there’s enough of it in Relacore to make any meaningful physiological impact.

Zizyphus jujuba is a fruit bearing tree cultivated in Asia. The fruit, called jujubes or red dates, are used as both food and medicine. In the latter capacity, it’s used to treat insomnia and anxiety. There is some evidence from animal studies to support this, although human studies are lacking.

7. Perilla (leaf) extract.

Perilla leaf is another Asian herb that doubles as both food and medicine. Like so many other medicinal plants, it contains biologically active compounds with anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-tumor activities – as demonstrated by in-vitro and rodent experiments.

“There is preliminary research indicating that phosphatidylserine, at doses of 400 to 800 milligrams per day, can inhibit exercise-induced increases in cortisol.”

And…

“Phosphatidylserine has demonstrated some usefulness in treating cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer’s disease, age-associated memory impairment and some non-Alzheimer’s dementias. More research is needed before phosphatidylserine can be indicated for immune enhancement or for reduction of exercise stress.”

A couple of points… first, we’re talking about exercise-related stress here, which is not generally a common issue for those trying to lose weight.

Second, 400 – 800 milligrams a day is needed. This is more than the the entire proprietary blend.

So there you have it. What’s the bottom line?

Relacore does contain a range of herbal ingredients that have the potential to improve mood/reduce stress. What is missing, however, is any proof that a) this will help produce weight loss; or b) slow down the aging process (regardless of your benchmark: wrinkles or telomere length).

While I think it would be interesting to experiment with the stress-reducing effects of ingredients like Magnolia bark, I would strongly warn against expecting weight loss/anti-aging miracles from Relacore.

As if to confirm this, a large number of visitors who have written in about their experiences with Relacore were very happy with it. For the most part, they found it useful as a “mood regulator”, with one visitor even calling it her “happy pill.” On the other hand however, very few visitors who commented on Relacore found it helpful for weight loss.

Comments

I have been using Relacore for a couple of months, while I don’t have significant weight loss, the belly fat is diminishing. I do exercise, so I am hoping muscle pounds are taking over fat pounds. I now just have the one set of smaller love handle instead of two big ones. I will continue to use Relacore for a few more months to see what happen. But as with any weight loss product; diet and exercise. Like they say, there is no magic pill, you have to work for. The older we get the harder we have to work at it…

I started using Relacore PM before bedtime for couple months. I slept well and lost an inch on my tummy. Then I tried Relacore Extra, my tummy went flat in a few weeks. I dropped from size 16 jeans to size 12. I am not a big eater, but I am constantly very stressed out, maybe that is why it works for me. I don’t take full dosage, I only take one pill a day, and it works for me.

Seems like Relacore melts the fat in my tummy and pass it out in the urine. The only problem is when I stop taking it for a few days, the waist line gain again, but when I get back on it, it goes back down in a few days. Looks like I need to work on my stress level first, and use Relacore as a backup, hopefully some day I won’t need pills to keep the weight down. I have not tried to take the full dosage, I am careful with all supplements in case I get a negative reaction, but so far, no problem, and it works for me.

Editor’s comments: Donna, just so you know – there’s no product in the world (prescription or otherwise) that can “melt fat and pass it out in the urine.” Fat is a stored fuel source, nothing more. In order for it to disappear, your body needs to access and burn it for energy.

Ok, I am the Relecore “poster child”. I started taking it when it first came out on the market and am STILL taking it. So how many years is that?

And no, I am not a stick figure after taking it all these years. Mind you, I just live my life, not a heck of a lot of exercise and I eat a meal or two a day and it’s not a lot of bad things, but not a lot of veggies and good things, either. Just a normal gal – but I have managed to come down from 250 to about 140 pounds over the last 10/12 years. I do not contribute it all to Relecore. I take Glucophage religiously for Diabetes along with the Relecore every day. That may have something to do with the weight loss.

I take the regular strengh Relecore. It says to take 6 pills per day (2 in the morning, 2 at lunch, 2 at night). I only take 2 in the morning and 2 at night.

THIS is what I DO know about the pills, after taking them this long – they definitely DO help my nerves, there is no doubt in my mind. When I run out of these things, I can rarely stand to go for more than a couple of weeks without them, because I start feeling moody, jumpy, irritable and generally uncomfortable with life.

Here is the other thing … Like Donna, mentioned in her post, when I go for a week or two without them, I start getting the bloat in my tummy area. I can totally feel the difference in my clothes. I go get the pills and in about 3 or 4 days I feel normal in my clothes again.

In a way, I wish I didn’t like and appreciate what they do for me so much, because it costs to buy Relecore and who wants to feel like they HAVE to be on something for the rest of their lives to keep their nerves in check and not have the bloat all the time?

What’s a little terrifying to me is, I am seeing that Wal-Mart is not carrying Relecore in the large quanties like they used to (Target has stopped selling them entirely), so I am living in fear that one day Relecore may go under and THEN what will I do??? Oh, I know! I’ll go write down the ingredients mentioned in the review from this site and try to work up my own weight suppressing/nerve calming combo! Thanks for that article, btw!

Editor’s comments: Jamie, just for your information the main ingredient you need to concern yourself with is magnolia bark – it shows some real anti-anxiety effects. And you’re welcome for the Relacore review!

At first I was a little apprehensive about trying Relacore after reading “one” feedback comment that was written by a daughter of a mother who had passed and blamed Relacore for the unexplained death. After reading more of the other feedbacks and reading into product itself, I was no longer apprehensive and I had to try it out. Now, after reading Jamie’s comment about taking this for 10 years, I can feel comfortable knowing that this is something I will not die from and gives me a little comfort in knowing that I can continue to take this for as long as I need to.

I’m not one to take pills for dieting and I have been working out as much as I am able to but was never able to get rid of the belly fat. I needed to lose some weight and reading how it improves everyone’s stress levels as one girl called it the “happy pill” I wanted to see for myself and I was sold. I have suffered with slight depression and all the pills prescribed to me never worked and figured I was just going to have to deal with my depression, stress and anxiety alone. One week before taking Relacore, I had just gone through a break up and obviously the circumstances would make a persons stress levels high. I noticed a change within the first week of taking Relacore. Regardless of the situation I was in, I found myself to be very happy and have energy to want to workout. It felt like not a thing could get me down. I’ve been taking Relacore for 3 months and my friends tell me they see a big difference in my demeanor and spirit. Not only that, but sticking to eating healthy and exercising on a regular basis, I have lost 25-30 pounds the majority of the loss was my belly fat. Although it is a continued work in progress, I am a very happy customer and will continue to take this product.

I really hope Jamie’s comment isn’t true about our major retailers not carrying this product anymore. I definitely have the need for Relacore not only for a weight loss supplement but more to aid my stress and anxiety.

I started using Relacore in 2007 when I weighed over 200 lbs. was wearing size 18-20. I lost 60 lbs. over 6 months, then another 10 over a few more and have not regained the weight thus far.

I credit the Relacore for part of this. I did cut my portions, cut out most sweets & fried foods almost completely @ 1st. Now I just try not to eat too much, but if I want something I eat it. I did not have time for a strict exercise regimen, however I am not inactive – I walk a lot at work and I usually walk fast.

I also ride horses when time allows. Relacore has no drugs, no ill effects. I prefer the original formula as opposed to the the Relacore Extra. The regular had more vitamins in the ingredients. However, I have not been able to find the regular Relacore recently & have started taking the Extra.

I take it twice a day. Is the original Relacore still available anywhere? I’m very satisfied with the product.

Editor’s comments: Try taking magnolia bark if you can’t find the original Relacore. It’s the key ingredient, and responsible for its anti-anxiety effects.

Used Relacore along with modified diet and had good results. Not obese, but was at the top of the weight scale for my age & height and intended to lose just a few pounds, but ended up loosing about 18 – 20 lbs over about 5 months (steadily about 1 to 1 1/2 lbs per week). Have not used the Relacore for about 4 months now, although the weigt has remained stable the belly fat is slowly returning. Plan to resume Relacore. I think it does help, and did notice an improvement in my energy level while taking it.

If I could give this a lower rating I would. After not only 1 bottle I GAINED around 30 pounds in less than two months. Needless to say I’m NOT AMUSED.

I’ve always been a bit of a health nut despite my size so it make my wonder what went so terribly wrong – granted I couldn’t do the traditional exercises but that’s because I’m in the process of a very large move so I’m still quite active. And no… before you ask no the 30 pounds are not muscle.

If any reps would like to contact me I’d be willing to discuss my dilemma.

I have been using Relacore for 3+ years. While I have lost weight I have noticed that it helps reduce my stress and improve my mood and energy. Whenever I have stopped taking it both my kids and my husband have told me to Please buy some more! Recently I ran out and have not had the time to get a new supply. I have some stomach bloat and have noticed the mood change myself. My husband gave me some money and told me to get to WalMart this morning to pick some up!!

I’ve been using relacore off and on for a few months. I would keep forgetting to take them. I’ve been taking them faithfully over the past week. I don’t know how long you have to be on them for them to work, but I can’t tell a difference in my energy level, or mood. I definitely can’t say it’s helped me not to over eat because I’ve still been having a hard time staying on my diet. I’ll give them another try because I still have some left. I was only taking 2 twice a day, so I’ll try taking the recommended dose of three times a day and see if I notice a difference.

I have tried Relacore Extra Strength. I wanted to lose a few lbs, but what I was really interested in was the calming anti-anxiety effect because I suffer from mild anxiety and depression. I hoped this would work. It improved my mood, but after a few hours it left me with jitters and the feeling that my heart was going to come out of my chest. After all of the negative side effects, I’d rather use prescription anti anxiety medication and watch what I eat rather than lose my hair or have a heart attack. Thanks for nothing.

I have used this product and have not had results. It has not helped me loss weight at all. All it did was make me feel like I was going to pass out. A product called Relora is far more effective, as it helped me maintain my weight for two years straight and has even in the past, helped me lose 15 lbs. I will not use this product ever again. Relacore is awful.

I used Relacore Original for over 2 years. I felt better, my stomach and weight was better, and I could always tell if I didn’t take it, as I did not feel as good. I felt more on edge. Now for the last 6 months I cannot find the original formula – just the Am/PM formulas, which do not work the same as the original formula.

I want to start taking it again if I can find the original. My health has been much worse since I stopped taking it. Seriously.

I have used relecore for 10 weeks and have always had mood swings and shaking. lost 24 lbs dropped 1 pant size. went off the pills and have almost gained everything back. and back to the mood swings and mild shaking.

i just purchased my first bottle of relacore extra and i will start taking them in the morning. i hope they work for me like they have for some of the people who left comments. i was taking a diet pill called apidextra i was very dissatisfied as well i was always hungry i think even more than usual. iwas also moody and irratible. thats not a product i would recomend. so im gonna try something new being that it helps with stress but im still wondering while on relacore do you get urges to eat more? hope it works for me.

I took Relacore years ago I lost my weight. I will start back taking it tomorrow HONEY !! The reason I stop taking it I lost a little too much booty LOL. I did feel great. WM 3/28/11 IT DOES WORK, Do some walking and dont over eat, you will see a big change.

I am dieting and exercising, I heard the ads for relacore and decided to give it a try. It was the biggest waste of money EVER. None of the claims are true, and the people who market it should really be ashamed of themselves.

I agree with a previous post, the regular Relacore was a much better product. Please bring it back!! The Relacore Extra was not as calming even when I took more of it. For that reason I stopped buying this product. When I did use the regular Relacore, though it made me amazingly calm. A friend of mine who didn’t know I was using Relacore actually said to me that I was very serene and confident. Could use some more of that!!!!

I loved the original Relacore I could feel and see the difference around my belly. I have not tried the new formula and I would love to know if it works just as well as the original. I have tried to find it everywhere but no luck. I want to buy the new one but would like to hear from those who have tried the orig and are now taking the new relacore before I make a purchase.

Ima mommy of three n had c sections w all three. I just bought relacore yesterday. I weigh 128 n am 5 ft 1-1/2. All I have left is extra skin from the c sections. I hope n pray it works to remove most of the excess belly it’s prolly between 8-10 pounds of excess belly. We shal see. Fingers crossed

I used to take the original relacore, then it was not available. I switched to the relacore extra. It has worked on the belly fat but it has not worked on the anxiety part of things. I’m not sure what has happened to the recipe of relacore but its just not the same. I get more nervous and more fidgety and my anxiety is higher along with my blood pressure. When I don’t take it I seem to be fine, when I do take the recommended dose of 3 pills with a glass of water I am out of control. I have strange thoughts and I just get so angry over nothing. So I’m not sure what has happened but it has only been the last 2 boxes that have had me feeling this way, as of today I am going to stop taking real core for good. I want the original recipe back then I will resume relacore. Thank you for your time.

I just bought relacore extra im starting it today I’ve heard all good results I hope it helps me I suffer from depression stress and anxiety I take prescribed meds for it they don’t help and my belly fat isn’t bad but after six kids people tend to ask me if I’m 3months prego so I pray that relacore helps me in all the ways I need it to. Let’s go Real core extra..

I took real ore at age 36 an suffered a massive stroke due to an increase in blood pressure. Thank God I’m still alive, it’s been seven years now and still presently in physical therapy, so I do not recommend this diet pill to anyone.

Previously used origional formula with great results. Lost 25lbs in about a month and about 3 holes on my belt. Disappointed to not see this formula at walmart and decided to give relacore extra a try. Disappointed after day one of not getting the same antianxiety effect as origional formula. Seems like they screwed up a great product trying to make it better.

I am going to try this starting tomorrow. I do hope to get results. I am a little concerned after reading that many feel the new version doesn’t work as well as the original. I had read good reviews too and went out earlier to buy a bottle of Relacore Extra.

When I started using Relacore, I was very impressed because I had no side effects like all the other diet pills I had used in the passed. Two weeks into it, I became so sick I was throwing up like a sick dog and no weight loss at all and my heart was racing, my blood pressure was always abnormally high. So, I resorted to a healthy method of losing weight and in no time at all, I lost about 10lbs with no side effects and no starving myself and unlike diet pills, I was able to keep it off to this day. John Barban is an expert in nutrition, physiology and biology at the University of Florida. He came up with this amazing method to lose weight fast.